Neilmarr: I have only been here a short time and even I could see you were consistently one of those people who did make an effort to respond to, welcome and help out all newcomers to MR, myself included.

IMO, life, REAL life always comes first. Period. Virtual/online life should always be a secondary consideration. And if I may be so bold, there is absolutely no need for you to apologize.

Finally, a slight tangent, but I have wondered since day 1 here on MR: why the focus on individual "introduction to MR" threads? For sure, this has been discussed my the MR powers that be. I cannot help but wonder why a single, prominently stickied "Introduce Yourself" thread is not employed. The traffic on the forums would seem to be much better served, at least IMO.

in medias res, for a plenty of truths has already been written above which you don't need to reread from me again - I sign the previous comments too.
Not only your greetings, but conversations, mails and behaviour have always been special.

What I wanted to add and emphasize: Particularly with regard to matters of health and well-being you shall not waste toughts on feeling guilty by doing what you announced being neither to criticise nor to require forgiveness.
I believe and hope to speak not only for myself but also on behalf on many fellows here when I say: As your friends we forbid you to stride further along this path of reasoning.
Take care for your health - for wich there's no replacement.

As someone recently welcomed by you, I can say that it was indeed a warm and pleasant feeling! But I agree with Freeshadow -- you shouldn't feel guilty about taking care of yourself. You have done more than your duty, good sir, and deserve a respite.